Gemotions

The leather was soft and supple beneath Elias's trembling fingers. He’d found the wallet tucked under a park bench, practically glowing in the late afternoon sun. He flipped it open, the crisp bills inside whispering promises he couldn't afford to hear. His breath hitched in his chest, a cold knot forming in his stomach. He glanced around, scanning the quiet street, but the emptiness felt heavy, suffocating. His hands were slick with sweat. He shoved the wallet deep into his pocket, his heart hammering against his ribs, each beat a drumbeat of panic.